Melvin J. Kopp

LANCASTER - Melvin Kopp, age 66, of rural Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and significant other. Melvin was born on April 9, 1957, son of Richard & Darlene (VanNatta) Kopp. Melvin graduated from Lancaster High School in 1975 and worked for Breil's in Fennimore, on OJT. After graduation, Melvin worked for FS in Lancaster. On November 13, 1976, Melvin was united in marriage to Juli A. Sheppard where they then farmed in rural Lancaster until starting at Ray O Vac, and later he started his career at Mound View RV Belmont, until retirement in April 2022. Melvin's passions included: camping, farming, cutting wood, family time, antique tractor pulling, and he was a member of the Dairyland Antique Tractor Club for many years.

Melvin is survived by his significant other, Shawn Brinkman Peterson, Glen Haven, four children: Thersa (Wilbur) Kauffman, Kieler, Wayne "Skeet" (Kari Edge) Kopp, Lancaster, Dusty (Morgan) Kopp, Lancaster, Ethan (Nicole) Kopp, Platteville; his mother, Darlene Kopp, Lancaster; siblings: Linda Brandemuehl, Naples, FL, Vickie Burggraf, Lancaster, Susan (Mike) Oyen, Preston, Cindy Schneider, Dubuque, IA, Terry (Denny) Maahs, Cassville, Richard Jr, (Mary) Kopp, Stitzer, Marvin (Anna) Kopp, Ozawaki, KS, Larry (Debra) Kopp, Perry, KS, Karen (AL) Heister, Hazel Green, Liz (Stuart) Abing, Lancaster, and Mike Kopp, Lancaster; 14 Grandchildren with one to arrive in January; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his father, Richard Kopp, an Infant brother, a nephew, Jamie Kopp, brother-in-law, John Brandemuehl, his maternal and paternal grandparents, mother and father-in-law, Carl & Gladys Shepherd.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster, with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Family and friends may call Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Friday at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory, Lancaster. Following the funeral, a luncheon and Celebration of Life will be held at the Youth & Ag Building in Lancaster at the Grant County Fairgrounds from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a donation may be made to the Family of Melvin Kopp.

We wish to extend our sincere gratitude for care and compassion shown to our family by the Grant County Hospice Staff, Social Worker, his doctor & nurses at UW Madison and Wendt Cancer Center of Dubuque, IA, Pastor Mark Hoehne and the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory.